Method of and apparatus for opening sheet packs



Nov. 16 1926.

H. E. M CRERY METHOD-0F AND APPARATUS FOR OPENING SHEET PACKS 6 Sheets-$116M: 1

Filed Nov lillilll Nov. 16,1926. 1,601,545

H. E. M CRERY METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR OPENINGSHEET PACKS Filed Nov. 8, 1924 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 H. E. M CRERY METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR OPENING SHEET PACKS Nov. 16 1926.

Filed Nov. 8, 1924 6 Sheets-Sheet s r v m m m I n v m. & Q% Q alu a a 3 E we n\\ u 3 X1. 1 q on m 62 m2 3v M I \Y b w I mm KS? DI .JH J6: w H mm? T we l Tr: Ifl I I. I L 4 QNQ EN} H m\\w $25k Q. k g W NQ\I N E mm Q FM 5 I ill! m v Nov. 16 1926. 1,607,545

H. E. M CRERY METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR OPENING SHEET PACKS Filed Nov. 8, 1924 s Sheets-Sheet 4 Nov. 16 1926.

H. E. M cRERY METHOD OF AND APPARATU FOR OPENING SHEET PACKS Filed Nov. 8

1924 6 She ets-Sheet 5 M mm 3 M. M m

Nov. 16,1926. 1,607,545

H. E. MCCRERY 1 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR OPENING SHEET PACKS Fi led Nov. 8, 1924 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 HAROLD E. le'ICCRERY, O1 APOLLO, EEHNSYLVANEA. ASE-51623013 teams ATYEFE? BY DIRECT AND MESIE'E ASSIGNMENTS, T0 APGLLO HOLDING GORPOBATIOIQ', G13 APOLLO, PENNSYL- VANIA, A COEEQRATION OF DELA'WARE.

METHOD 01 AND APPARATUS FOR KENS PACKS.

Application filed November 8, 1524.

sheet bars, in thickness, run upward of one :tourth inch and usually are eight inencs wide, though sometimes the stool; employed is as wide as fifteen inches. ihe sheet oars usually are rolled in thirty is toot lengths after which they are cut in desired lengths depending on the width of the sheet to he rolled. After being so cut, the sections oit the bar are placed in what is known as a so which they are successively passed through hot rolls to reduce them in thickness. Two ot the pieces are then placed together and again successively passed through hot rolls and further reduced in thickness, after which number of the s ieets are placed together and introduced into what is known as a sheet furnace, where they are again heated. it is in the sheet furnace that the packs are made and each pack contains from two to sixteen or more sheets according to the of the sheets, the packs of ii liter gage metal containing the larger Mnher of sheets. After a pack is so formed and heated in the sheet furnace it is rollec as a unit between hot rolls where the sheets are hr Light out to the length required. The pack is then sheared to proper dimensions whereupon it is ready to he opened to sepalhe sheets. l t has been found that, when sheet packs are so prepar o a serious problem is presented i separating the sheets, the separation hei g accomplished only through rigorous n uiual labor and at considerable e2:- pense. It is the usual practice to grasp a corner of a pack in a large pair of tongs and vigorously shake the pool: in rapidvertical movements to loosen the sheets at the corners 0:5 the pack after which each individual sheet is grasped its loosened corner by the tongs and pulled upwardly to release the sheet. i i here the operation is performed on packs of relatively large thesis.- Et necessary to reocat the operation Ill! pair furnace and heated, after Serial No. 743,???

at the opposite cor ter of the pack and it is often extremely diiiicultto loosen a sheet from the pack due to the fact that heating the pack in the sheet furnace causes adjacent sheets to weld in spots and it requires great force to separate them.

it is an important object of the present invention to provide means for opening a corner 01" a pack and s bsequently separatingthe individual sheets simultaneously without the expenditure of manual force.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel means for drawing the sheets through separating means in the form of slightly spaced relatively small parallel bars provided ith means for absorbing any shoclts transmitted thereto when the rollers are forced to separate tightly adhering sheets.

A further object of the invention is to provide means tor gripping the corners of the sheets after t y have been inserted hetwecn the se 'iarating rods and to provide means for moving he gripping means to completely draw the reels through the separating n'ieans after which the gripping mean-s ceases to function as such and the sheets are released to permit their withdrawal ly an operat r. v

A still further object of the invention is to provide novel means for reciprocating the gripping means whereby the latter is caused to move toward and away from the separating; means to grasp the sheets and move them longitudinally to draw them through the separating means.

A further object of the invention is to provide means associated with the separating rods for preventing shearing stresses adjacent the ends of the rocs when tightly adhering sheets are drawnbetween these rods.

Other objects and advanta "es of the in vention will be apparent churn the courie of the following description.

In the drawings I have shown several as semblies of apparatus elements adapted for use in the practice ot't-he method. In t showing,

Figure 1 is a plan View oi the assembled apparatus.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view oi a portion of a sheet pack showing the corners 01" the sheet initially separated,

IOU

lOS

Figure 3 chine,

Figure 4 is a front elevation of the sheet eparating means,

Figure 5 is a section on line 55 of Figure 3,

Figure 6 is a section on line 66 of Fig ure 4,

l igure 7 is a similar view on line 77 of Figure Figure 8 is a section on line 88 of 111g ure 3,

Figure 9 is a sector. on line 9-9 of Figure 8, parts bein shown in elevat on.

Figure 10 is a section on line 10-10 of Figure 1,

Figure 11 is a side elevation of one form of corner opening device,

Figure 12 is an end View of the same,

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view showing the wiring connections to the electromagnetic pack feeding device,

Figure 14 is a plan view of an alternative form of corner opening device,

Figure 15 is a section on line 1515 of Figure 14,

Figure 16 is a detail transverse sectional view of one of the rollers shown in Figure 14,

Figure 17 is a section on line 1717 of Figure 11,

Figure 18 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the corner opening device shown in Figure 11, parts being shown in section,

Figure 19 is a section taken on line 1919 of Figure 9,

Figure 20 is a detail sectional View on line 2020 of Figure 9,

Figure 21 is a detail perspective view of one of the gripping members, and,

Figure 22 is a fragmentary side elevation of a portion of the chain.

Referring to the drawings the numeral 10 designates as a whole one sheet pack corner opening device emploved in practicing the iniial step of the method to be described. This device comprises a generally rectangular base 11 provided adjacent one of its sides with a supporting roller 12, as shown in F gure 14. Forwardly of the roller 12, a T- shaped supporting member 13 is arranged and secured to the base 11 as at 14. The nu- 1ne al 15 designates a pair of opening rollers arranged substantially at right angles to each o her as shown in Figure 14. These rollers preferably are formed of laminated metal as shown at 16 (see Figure 16). The laminations 16 are secured together in any suitable manner and are preferably arranged parallel to the axes of the rollers. As shown in Figures 14 and 15 each of the'rollers 15 is preferably conical in shape and is provided with an axial shaft 17 by means of which it may be revolved in a manner to be described. As shown in Figure 16 the lamiis a side elevation of the manations forming the rollers 15 preferably are staggered at their edges for a purpose to be described. The adjacent ends of the rollers 15 are journaled in bearings 18 secured to the base 11. The remote ends of the rollers 15 are journaled in bearings 19 similarly secured to the base and provided with off-set ends 20 which are adapted to overhang the edges of a sheet pack when arranged in proper position by means of which the corners may be opened in a manner to be described. Each of the rollers 15 is adapted to be driven through the medium of a. sprocket chain 21 suitably connected with an electric motor 22. In Figure 14 of the drawings I have shown a sheet pack 23 ranged in operative position in the corner opening device, the adjacent edges 24 and 25 of the pack being arranged in con act with the sides of the rollers 15. As indicated by the arrows in Figure 14, the rollers 15 are adapted to rotate in opposite directions whereby the staggered edges of the laminations of the rollers will contact with the edges of the sheet pack, one roller tending to move the adjacent edges of the pack downwardly while the o her roller tends to move its adjacent edge of the sheet pack upwardly. The operation of the corner opening device is adapted to separate one corner of the pack as indicated at 26 (see Figure 2). The roller 12 serves to permit the operator to readily slide the pack into position in contact with the rollers with its adjacent edges arranged beneath the offset portions 20 of the bearings 19. The T-shaped member 13 supports the pack against downward mow ment while the offset ends 20 prevent upward movement of the pack.

Referring to Figures 1, 3 and 4, the numeral 27 designa es as a whole the sheet opening device. This device employs a substantiallv horizontal base 28 having preferably integrally cast arms 29 upstanding therefrom. An extension 30 is connected "ii-h he bas and pro eets forwardly of th machine a substantial distance to provide a working platform and also to provide an e tension on the base whereby the latter may be effectively secured to the floor of the building in which the apparatus is en:- ploved. The upsanding arms 29 are arranged inwardly of the outer ends of the base 28 and are connected therewith by webs 31 as shown in Figures 1 and 4, to provide pockets 32. Each of the upstanding arms 29 is provided with an elongated arcuate slot 88 as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The outer face of each of the upstanding arms is curved on an arc of a circle as shown at each of these curved faces forming a portion of a vertical cylinder.

A plurality of arcuately arranged horizontal parallel spaced rods are arranged bet-ween the upstanding arms 29 and project through the slots 33 a substantial distance beyond the upstanding arms. These rods are preferably formed of untempered chrome nickel steel and in actual practice these rods are preferably approximately three-fourths of an inch in diameter. The rods 35 are preferably formed of the material stated in order that they may possess great toughness and ability to withstand shocks without fracturing. As shown in Figure 6, the rods are preferably slightly smaller in diameter than the width of the slots 33 and the rods are surrounded intermediate the upstanding arms 29 with collars 36 preferably formed of hardened steel and somewhat larger than the slots 83. The collars 36 are closely arranged in end to end relation but lit fairly loosely with respect to each other so that each of the recs is per mitted to bend slightly without creating any binding action between the contacting ends of tiie collars 36.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, an oscillating plate 37 is arranged outwardly of each of the upstanding arms 29 and provided with a conver: inner face curved si i to the adjacent outer face of the ups in 5: arm 29. it will be apparent from higure (i that the plates 37 are adapted to partake of limited oscillating movement in contact with the faces Si: and each is provided with a slot similar to and arranged in aiinement with the slots 33. to receive the rods 5. Anchoring plates 89 are arranged outwardly of the plates 37 in spaced relation thereto as clearly shown. '.l e plates 39 are apertured as at l for the reception oi the ends of the rods as shown in Figure 5. The ends of the rods are anchored to the plates 39 in any suit-able manner as by providingnuts 41 threaded on the ends of the rods and contacting; with the outer faces of the plates As shown in lii ures and 6., rows of relatively heavy sprlngs 42 are arranged bctween the inner faces of the plates 87 and 39. Tl ese springs are intended to exert great outward force against the plates 39 so as to tension the rods as will be obvious. i Vith the device above described assembled as showm the space between each adjacent set of collars 36 is preferably substantially equal to the thickness of the thickest sheet intended to be inserted therebetween aswill become obvious.

Referring to Figures 1 and 3 the numeral 43 designates a plurality of preferably U- shaped supports alined rearwardlv of the sheet opening means at right angles to the separating rods. Each of these supports includes upstanding arms 44 as clearly shown in Figure 8. E-hbeams 415 are arranged over the ends of the arms 4:4 as shown in Figures 3 and 8 to serve as trackways in a manner to be described, and are secured to the arms at by bolts 46.

Referring to Figures 3 and 8, the numeral 451' designates a pair of ii-beams secured against the inner faces of the upstanding arms 44 below the tops thereof, for a purpose to be described. secured to two of the outer Ushaped supporting members 43 and extend inwardly from each arm thereof as shown in Figure 8. Each of the stub shat-ts is provided in wardly of its adjacent arm with a sprocket 4:9 and a chain passes over each pair of sprockets as shown in Figures 3 and 8. The shafts i8 which carry the outer sprockets 19 extend outwardly through their adjacent arms is and are provided at their outer ends with gears 51 which mesh with gears 52 carried on a transverse shaft 53. One end of the shai't 53 Xtends outwardly beyondthe gear 52 and is prov" with another gear 5e adapted to be driven by a pinion 55 carried onthe shaft or a motor A clutch 57 is arranged on the shaftsbetween'the gears 52 and 54 in order that rotation of the gears 51 and 52 and consequent operation or the chains 50 may be stopped or started will. "ihe clutch is or any standard construction employing a spring (not shown) tor normally maintainingv the clutch in operation, As shown in Figure 1, a lever is pivotally connected intermediate its ends as at 59, one end of Stub shafts as are the lever being operatively connected with i the shiftable member or the clutch 5? as shown. A pulley (30 is pivotally mounted adjacent the opposite end of the lever 58. A cable 61 is arranged substantially parallel to the beams 45 and has its outer end passed about the pulley and secured to the free end of the lever 58. The opposite end of the cable is connected as at 62 with one end of a bell-crank lever 63. A link 64 is pivotally connected at one end at 55 with the opposite end of the bell-crank lever and at its opposite end with a depending crank 66 carried by a shaft 6?. The it 67 extends transversely oi the upstanding arm 29 and is journaled in bearings 68 can ried thereby. The opposite end if the shaft is provided with an operating handl: similar shaft 6'? is arranged across the oposite upstanding arm 29 and is simi. arjournaled in bearings '1 is shaft also provided with a depending arm 66 to which is pivotally connected linlr .70. link '70 is bent intermediate its ends as to pass around the forward U-snaped supporting member 4-3. The opposite end 0 the link 70 is also pivotally connected with the bell-crank lever 63. It will be obvious that rotation of either shaft 6? by its handle 69 will swing the depending arms 66, thus oscillating the bell-crank lever 63 and operating the cable 61 to swing the lever 58 above its pivot to engage or disengage the clutch 57.

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Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the numeral 72 designates a sheet pack leaf gripping device as a whole. As shown this device comprises a carriage 73 provided with trans-v it se shafts 7% at the outer ends of which are mounted wheels 75. As clearlyshown in Figure 8, the wheels 75 are adapted to travel within one side of each of the beams 45, resting on the lower bases thereof. The carriage 73 is provided with a central depending member 76 having a vertical slot 77 cut transversely therethrough. Complementary guide bearings 78 are adapted to reciprocate within the slot 77. As shown. in Figure 20, he guide bearings 78 are provided with 'ec..angular portions 79 extending into the slot 77 with their ends abutting. Flanges 80 engage the outer faces of the depending member 76 and collarportions 81 extend outwardly from these flanges. Set screws 82 are threaded in the collar portions 81 and are adapted togrip a transverseshaft 83 passing through openings 8ain the guide bee *ings 78. The outer ends of the shaft 83 are provided with wheels 85 as clearly shown in Figures 8 and 20. In the position SEOWH in Figure 8 of the drawings, the wheels 85 are adapted to run on angle iron tracks 86 arranged below the U-beams 17.

As shown one link of each of the chains 50 is provided with an eye 87 adapted to sin gene the shaft o3 whereby the carriage 7 3 will be caused to travel as the chain is moved. The chains are adapted to travel in the direc tion indicated by the arrow in Figure 3 of the drawings and it will be apparent that when the eyes 87 reach the forward sprocket 49 they will move upwardly around this sprocket carrying with them the shaft 83 causing the latter to move upwardly in the slot 77. This position will be maintained until the eyes reach the rear ends of the runs of the chains 50 whereupon the hooks will move downwardly carrying the shaft 83 back to the position shown in Figures 8 and 9 of the drawings.

As shown in Figures 8, 9and 19, the carriage 73 is provided with a vertical transcrse upstanding wall 88 connected with the carriage by side webs 89. A. plate 90 is secured against the wall 88 by screws 91 as cle: r13 shown in Figure 19. A plurality of {tripping memhers 92 are arranged adjacent the plate 90. Each of the members 92 is provided with a rearwardly extending arm 93 adjacent each side and the arms of each gripping J'UQlllbGl are provided with alined beari openings 94: through which extend pivot pins Each of the arms 93 is further provided at its inner end with vertically extending flanges 96. As shown in Figure 9 the adjacent flanges 96 are adapted to engage each other to limit the pivoting movement of the members 92. The flanges 96 are not intended, however, to entirely fill the spaces between the members 92 so that the latter are adapted to partake of limited swinging movement about their pivot pins The outer ends of the members 92 are provided with enlarged heads 97 having parallel adjacent faces and the ends 98 of the members 92 are arranged on an arc shown in Figure 9 to correspond with the curved arrangement of the rods 35 as clearly shown in Figure v3.

A head 99 is pivotally connected as at 100 with the upper end of the plate 90. The lower face of the outer end of the head 99 is arranged adjacent the upper face the upper gripping member as shown. The rear end of the head 99 is provided adjacent each side with a stub shaft 101 and these shafts are pivotally connected with the upper ends of links 102. The carriage 73 is provided at its forward end with ears 6) .Ll/U in which mounted a shaft 101. A clamping head 105 has its rear end 106 arranged between the ears 103 and surrounding the shaft 10 1 whereby the head is adapted to partake of vertical swinging movement. 'Iilhe lower ends of the links 102 are pivotally connected with stub shafts 107 projecting outwardly from each side of the for ward portion of the clamping head 105. The upper face of the forward portion of the clamping head. 105 is arranged adjacent the lower face of the lowermost gripping member 92.

Supporting plates 108 are riveted or otherwise secured as at 109 with the depending member 70 as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Each supporting plate is provided with an outwardly extending horizontal stub shaft 110 to which is pivotally connected one end of a lever 111. Theopposite end of the lever is provided with a slot 112 which receives the shaft 83. Collars 113 are connected with the shaft 83 outwardly of the levers 111 to properly maintain the latter in position. A link 114 is arranged adjacent each of the levers 111. As shown each of the links 111 is pivotally connected as at 115 with one of the arms 1.11 while the upper ends of the links 11% are provided with slots 11G receiving the stub shafts 107 between the links 102 and the clamping head 105. A spring 117 surrounds the link 11 1 intermediate its ends. The lower end of the spring 1.17 is supported on a collar 118 which rests on a transverse pin 119 passing through the link 1141. The upper end of the spring bears against a collar 120 which in turn contacts with a shoulder 121 formed on the link 111 below the slot 116.

In Figures 10 to 12 inclusive and 17 and 18 I show an alternative form of sheet pack corner opening device. The numeral 122 designates supporting members on which are mounted a pair of tracks 123 preferably in the form of ti beams as shown. A carriage designated as a whole by the reference numeral 121 is arranged between the tracks 123. The carriage 12 1 comprises upper and lower sections 125 and 126 respectively. The lower portion 126 is provided adjacent each end with wheels 12'? adapted to be supported on the tracks 123. As shown in Fig. l the tracks 123 are arranged transversely of the machine and it will be obvious that the carriage is adapted to be moved .by means of its wheel mounting, toward and away from the center of the machine. As shown, a sprocket chain 128 is arranged between and parallel to the tracks 123. This sprocket chain is adapted to be actuated through a sprocket carried on a shaft 129 provided outwardly of the tracks with a gear 130. A motor 131 is provided with a shaft 132 carrying a pinion 133 meshing with the gear 130. Current to the motor is adapted to be controlled through a manually controlled switch 134; arranged at anyconvenient point. It will be obvious that when the switch 13 1 is closed the chain 1 8 will be operated. As shown in-Figure 11, one

link of the chain 128 is provided with a hook 135 :ulapted to engage a transverse shaft 136 mounted to vertically reciprocate in slots 13? 't'orined in depending members 138 carried by the lower section 126. It will be ob ions that the hook will operate to move the carriage 12% toward and away from the center of the machine when the chain 123 is actuated.

The upper and lower sections 125 and 126 are pivotally connected through links 139. As shown in Figure 11, the links are pivotally connected at their upper ends with the section 125 through pins 1 and at tieir lower ends with the section 126 through pins 1411. A spring 142 is arranged between the sections 125 and 126 and is adapted to normally pr ject the section 125 upwardly. The section 125 is provided at its opposite end with ears 14-3 to which links 14A are pivotally connected at their upper ends. An operating lever 1415 is pivotally connected between the lower ends of the links 14 1 as at 1 16. The outer end of the lever 1 is provided with handle 14.? while the inner end is provided with a cam face 118 as shown in Figure 18. adapted to en The cam face 14.8 is the lower cam face 1 19 of :1 lug 150 c red by the outer end of the .e-ection 126. at will be obvious that when the parts are in the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 18, the cam face 1 18 in be e1 ed beneath the cam face 149 and depression of the handle 1-17 will swing the parts to the solid line position forcing the .section 125 downwardly to a position iarallel to the section 126 for a purpose to :e described As clearly shown in Figure I the upper section 125 is provided with a fiat lower face 151 connected to a beveled face 152. The section 126 is provided with an upper face a portion of which is'flat as at 153 and arranged parallel to the face 151. The section 126 is also provided with an inclined face 15 1 similar to the face 152 and a downwardly inclined face 155. The sheets of a sheet pack 23 may be arranged between the sections 125 and 126 when the latter are in the dotted line position shown in Figure 18 and when the handle 1 1i is depressed the angularity of the faces 152 and 1541 causes the corners 26 of the sheets to be separated as shown in Figure 17.

In general the operation of the device is carried out by initially separating the sheets adjacent one corner of the pack by either of the two devices previously described as being adapted for that purpose. The opened corner of the pack is then fed toward the separating bars with each sheet of the pack inserted between adjacent bars of the separating means. I provide convenient means for assisting in feeding the pack toward the separating means. As shown in Figures 1, 10 and 13, I provide a pair of trackways 156 preferably in the form of H-beams as shown in Figure 13. These trackways are preferably inclined upwardly as shown in Figure 10, and a carriage 157 is arranged to move longitudinally between the trackways. carriage is mounted on wheels 158 adapted to roll on the inner portions of the bases of the H-beams 156 as will be clearly understood. The carriage embodies an electromagnet indicated diagrammatically at 159 in Figure 13. Means are provided for supplying current to the electro-magnet when desired. As shown in Figure 1.3, the wheels 158 are mounted on shaft sections 166 which are insulated from each other and the lead wires 161 and 162 of the electro-magnet are grounded on the shaft sections 160, as shown. Gne of the trackways 156 is provided with a conducting strip 163 suitably insulated from the trackways as at 16:1. do

The conducting strip 163 extends from the lower end of the trackways to a point spaced from the upper end and the insulation 16% is raised beyond the'end of the conducting strip as shown at 165, so that its upper face is flush with the upper face of the conducting strip. A wire 166 is connected between the conducting strip 163 and a suitable source of current 167, the opposite pole of the source of current being connected through a wire 163 with the opposite t beam 156 from whence the current passes into the opposite lead wire of the electromagnet through the adjacent wheel 158. A manually controlled switch 169 is preferably arranged in the wire 168 to disconnect the electro-magnet from the source of current whenever desired. It will be obvious that with the switch 169 closed, currentwill be supplied to the electro-magnet as long as the wheels at one side of the carriage 157 are in contact with the conducting strip 168. The carriage 157 is moved manually along the trackways 156 and when the wheels thereof pass beyond the upper end of the conducting strip 163 the circuit to the electro-magnct obviously will be broken.

A lever 170 is arranged on each side of the carriage 15? as shown. These lovers are pivotally connected on the forward shaft sections 160 and are connected at their forward ends by a cross bar 171 as shown in Figures 1 and 13. The opposite ends of the levers also are connected by across bar 1'72 while the levers are connected intermediate their ends to springs 178, the opposite ends of the springs being suitably connected to the carriage to move the lower ends of the levers upwardly and the forward ends of the levers andthe cross bar 171 downwardly. \Vhen the carriage 157 is in its lowermost position as shown in Figure 10 of the drawings the cross bar 17 2 is adapted to contact with an abutment 171- which is adapted to swing the lower ends of the levers 17.0 forwardly and downwardly to lift the bar 171 for a purpose to be described. A block 17 5 is arranged across the lower ends of the trackways 156 and a bumper 176 is arranged forwardly of this block and connected therewith by compression springs 17'? to reduce the shock ccasioned when the carriage 157 is released from a position adjacent the upper end of its movement and permitted to move downwardly by gravity.

Means are provided for facilitating the removal of the separated sheets of a sheet pack after passing through the separating members 36. As shown in Figure 1, a plu rality of bearings 178 are mounted adjacent one of the H-beams and rollers 179 are arranged between these bearings. The upper portions of the rollers 1T9 arc preferably substantially flush with the upper faces of the beams whereby the separated sheets are permitted to roll from the tops of the beams in the manner to be described.

The operation of the apoaratus is as follows:

In carrying out the first step of the method of separating the sheets, I propose to initially separate the portions of sheets adjacent one corner of a pack in such a manner that the extreme corners are separated a substantial distance to adapt them for insertionbetween the sleeves or collars 36. The sleeves being relatively small, however, it will be obvious that the separation of the corner of, the pack need not be great. For separating a corner of'a pack, I have found either of the alternative constructions illustrated for thatpurpose to be efficient in operation. When the form of corner open ing device illustratedin Figures 14 to 16 inelusive is employed, the pack is inserted clearly shown in Figure 14, the roller 12 being adapted to support the pack to permit its easy insertion with the edges in contact with the members 15 and arranged beneath the offset arms 20. The motors 0 are then started and the corner of the pack separated as previously described and as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. When the device shown in Figures 11, 12, 17 and 18 is employed the handle M7 is raised to 755 permit the spring 142 to lift the upper scc tion 125 a sufficient distance to permit the insertion of a corner of the pack. The handle 147 is then operated to clamp the upper section 125 downwardly as previously described whereupon the relative arrangements of the faces 151 to 15ft inclusive (see Figure 17 serve to bend the corners of the sheets as shown, with the extreme corne separated. Vhen either of the corner opening devices described is employed, the corners will be separated substantially as shown in Figure 10 with the extreme corners of the separated portion arranged a distance apart substantially equal to the distance between the spaces of the sleeves 36 to permit their ready insertion therebctween.

I provide the carriage 157 to facilitate the operation of the separating means, particu larly when the form of corner opening device shown in Figures 11, 12, 17 and 13 is employed. The pack to be opened is laid diagonally with its rear corner resting on the carriage 157 and its forward corner resting on the nearer track 123. The switch 16; is then closed, energizing the magnet 159 and effectually holding the pack inpo ition on the carriage. After the head 12 is lifted, the carriage 157 is manually advanced. to cause insertion of the corner of the pack between the heads and 128 whereupon the corner opening operation is carried out. The head 1.25 is then releaset by movii handle 14'? upwardly whereupon the s 134; is closed causing the chain 128 to more the carriage 1241; to the outer ends of the tracks 123 by virtue of the engagement be tween the hook 135 and the shaft 136 It will be obvious that when the hook I .7 over the sprockets at opposite ends of the chain 128 thedirection of movement of the carriage 124 will be reversed automatically and it is merely necessary when moving the carriage in either direction to close the switch 13 1 a sufficient length of time will be obvious.

The second step in the method com? drawin the sheets through the renal 7 h 4 sleeves 36 while the latter remain rela I stationary to effectually separate the p tions of the sheets which most tiglf Y here. After the corner opening operation has been completed the carria 153 is moved manually to bring the separat d corners of the ree s were s the Sleeves e;

till

lars 36 whereupon the corners of the sheets are introduced between adjacent pairs of the sets of sleeves 36 and the carriage 157 is moved a suflicient distance to permit the separated corners of the sheets to project through the opposite sides of the sleeves 36. The motor 56 is then placed in operation and with the clutch controlling transmission of power to the drive gears in engagement, it will be obvious that the sprockets ll) will be rotated to drive the chains 50. The eyes 8? connected to the chains 50 obviously will move therewith, the direction of travel thereof depending on whether they are in the upper runs of the chains or the lower runs. runs of the chains, it will be obvious that they will travel toward the forward end of the machine, the chains mov 7 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 1. Since the shaft 83 extends through the eyes 87 of each chain, it will be obvious that the carriage 73 will be moved toward the sleeves 36, When the eyes reach the extreme forward ends of the chains, that is in horizontal alinement with the forwar shaft 4E8 the faces 98 of the gripping member 92 will be arranged in close proximity to the sets of sleeves 36 to receive the projecting corners of the sheet pack therebetween. When the parts of the carriage 72 are in the position shown in Figures 8 and 9, With the shaft near the lower end of the slot 1 the links 11 1- will be moved downwardly thus lowering the forward end of the head 1/5 and through the links 102, lifting the forward end of the head 99. As the eyes 87 approach the upper run of the chain by passing around the forward sprockets 49 the shaft 83 will be carried upwardly moving wia it the levers 111 and links 114. This action lifts the forward end of the head 105 and lowers the forward end of the head 99 by virtue of transmitted upwarc movement of the links 102. By the time the reaches the upper limit of its more; indicated by the dotted lines in liia'ui'e 9. projecting corners of the sheets will be tightly gripped between the gripping members 92. Since the sheets vary in thickness, I provide means for permitting effective gripping of sheets of varying thickness. The links 11% are provided with the slots 116 to permit the links to move upwardly a short distance until the collars 121 ontact with the lower faces of the heads 105. Thus it will be seen that the springs 117 effect a cushioned upward movement of the heat 105., the compression of the springs 117 varying according to the thickness of the sheets being separated. Continued movement of the chains 50 obviously will move the shaft 83 toward the rear end of the device carrying with it the carriage 73. The eyes 87 being arranged on the upper runs Assuming the eyes to he in the lower of the chains 50, it will be obvious that the parts of the carriage Y3 will be retained n the position just described with the Sheets clamped between the members 92. It wil be obvious that rearward movement of th carriage 73 will draw the sheets the p rearwardly forcing the sleeves 36 h! the sheets and effectually separatin I provide the sleeves 36 of hardened st: and relatively short to permit them to their positions from time to time to pro ht new wearing surfaces to the metal of the sheets being drawn therebetween. When the carriage 73 reaches the rear of the upper runs of the chains 50, the eyes 87 will pass over the rear sprockets 49 carrying; with them the shaft 83. As the shaft 83 passes downwardly around the rear sprockets at? it will be obvious that the levers 111 will he carried back to the solid line position shown in Figure 9, releasing the gripping action of the members 92. I prefer to make the tracks l5 and chains 50 of a sufficient length to permit the longest sheets to be drawn tlrough the sleeves 36 before the carri go reaches the extreme rear end of its movement. As the sheets are released from the gripping members 92, it will be obvi us that they will lie across the tops of the tracks 45 whereupon they may be gripped lI-y the operator and moves transversely of the tracks to remove them, the rollers 179 ass i ing in the removal of the sheets. s previously stated, the rods 35 are formed of metal possessing great toughness and l i ity to withstand sudden shocks. 'lmu due to the fact that the rollers must encounter sudden shocks at. points where th v sheets of a pack are tightly alhered and it is necessary that these sudden shocks be with tood without causing damage to the machine. In order to insure the rods against breakage due to shearing stresses, I provide the mount ngs shown and described for the outer ends of the rods. The springs 42 are preferably very heavy and accordingly are adapted to exert a tremendous outward force against the plates 39 tending to prevent bending of the rods 35. However, any tendency of the rods to bend will be taken up by the mounting of the members 3'? against the upright arms 29. The curvature of the contacting faces of these members permits them to move slightly relatively when the rods 35 bend and it will be obvious that the plates 39 will t i with the rods so that they retain their right angular relation thereto. The stiffness of the rods and the tension of the springs are such, however, as to reduce bending tendency of the rods to a minimum and any bending action that takes place is relatively slight.

After the carriage has completed its rear- W Mu liii

ward movement the eyes 87 will iass around the rear sprockets 49 as previously described and will move forwardly again carrying with them the carriage 73. After the gripping members 92 have moved the initially separated corners of the sheets until the pack has passed almost completely through the separating means, the switch 169 may be opened to deenergize the magnet 159 and the carriage 157 may be moved downwardly andv forwardly to the position shown in Figure 10 to be in readiness to receive a new pack to be opened. After the end of one pack has passed through the separating means a new pack is placed in position so that the operation of separating the corners of the pack may be completed by the time the carriage again reaches its forward position.

Thus it will be seen that the method practiced by the apparatus just describ d comprises two steps, namely, separating by suit-- able means a corner of a sheet pack and in 'serting the separated corners through separating means from one side thereof and drawing the separated corners away from the separating means from the opposite side thereof. I have found that the method may be very quickly and efficiently carried out and the sheets wholly separatedmithout causing any damage thereto which would render them useless for the commercial uses for which they are intended.

As previously stated, the number of sheets in a pack varies according to the gage of the sheets, some of the heavier gage sheets being formed in packs containing only two sheets while many of the lighter gage sheets are packed sixteen or more in a pack. I prefer to employ a sufiicient number of the rods 35 to care for packs containing the largest number of sheets commercially packed and the spaces between the slots 36 preferably are suiiicient to admit the heaviest gage sheets which are pressed into packs. The arrangement of the slots in the members 38 and 37 permits the rods 35 to flex toward each other slightly when the thinner sheets are run through the slots 36 as will be obvious but the flexing of the rods when the lighter sheets are run tl rough will be too slight to cause any damage to the rods.

It is tobe understood that the method and assemblages of apparatus elements above described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. Apparatus of the character described comprising a separating member adapted to be received between a pair of sheets introduced from one side thereof, and means adapted to simultaneously grasp and hold 1,-eor,54.5

portions of the sheets at the opposite side of said separating member, said separating member and said means being bodily movable with respect to each other to increase the distance therebetween.

2. Apparatus of the character described comprising a separating member adapted to be received between a pair of sheets introduced from one side thereof, means adapted to engage and hold portions of the sheets at the opposite side of said separating member, and means for bodily moving said separating member and said engaging means with respect to each other substantially in a single common plane to increase the distance therebetween. I

3. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of separating members adapted to receive therebetween portions of pack sheets inserted from one side thereof, gripping means adapted to simultaneously grasp portions of all of the sheets at the opposite side of said separating members, and means for moving said separating members and said gripping means with respect to each other to increase the distance therebetween.

4. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of separating members adapted to receive therebetween portions of pack sheets inserted from one side thereof, and means for drawing said inserted portions of the sheets from the opposite side of said separating means, said means including a member adapted to be received between the inserted portions of each adjacent pair of sheets.

5. Apparatus of the character described comprising a separating member adapted to be received between portions of pack sheets inserted from one side thereof, means movablesubstantially in a single common plane with said separating member for drawing said inserted portion of the sheet from the opposite side of said separating means, U

and means for releasing said drawing means when said separating member has passed. completely through the sheets.

6. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of separating members adapted to receive therebetween por tions of pack sheets inserted from one side thereof, and means for gripping the in s'erted portions of the shee s from the op posite side of and moving them completely site side of and drawing them away from said separating"member, and means for releasing said gripping means when said separating member has passed completely through the sheets.

8. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plu'ality of spaced parallel bars adapted to receive therebetween por-- tions of pack sheets inserted from one side thereof, means for simultaneously gripping the inserted portions of all of the sheets from the opposite side of said bars, and means for moving said gripping means away from said bars.

9. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of spaced parallel bars adapted to receive therebetween portions of pack sheets inserted from one side thereof, means initially simultaneously operable for gripping the inserted portions of all of the sheets from the opposite side of said bars, means for moving said gripping means away from-said bars, and means for releasing said gripping means when the sheets have passed completely through said bars.

10. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of separating members adapted to receive therebetween portions of pack sheets inserted from one side thereof and a member arranged on the opposite side of said separating members and movable simultaneously in a single plane directly toward and away from said separating members, said movable member being provided with means operable during movement away from said separating members for gripping the inserted portions of the sheets.

11. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of separating members adapted to receive therebetween portions of pack sheets inserted from one side thereof, and a member arnnged on the opposite side of said separating members and movable toward and away from said separating members, said movable member being provided with automatic means operable during movement awayfrom said separating members for gripping the inserted por tions of the sheets and upon movement toward said separating members for releasing the sheets.

12. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of spaced parallel bars adapted to receive therebetween portions of pack sheets inserted. from one side thereof, a carriage arranged on the opposite side of said bars, means for supporting said carriage for reciprocation toward and away from said bars, and means carried by said carriage for gripping the inserted ends of the sheets when said carriage is moved. away from said bars 13. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of spaced parallel bars adapted to receive therebetween portions of pack sheets inserted from one side thereof, a carriage arranged 011' the opposite side of said bars, means for supporting said carriage for reciprocation toward and away from said bars, means carried by said carriage for gripping the inserted portions of the sheets when said carriage is moved awa from said bars, and means for releasing said gripping means after said carriage has moved a predetermined distance away from said bars.

14. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of spaced parallel arcuately arranged bars corresponding in arrangement to the separated portions of sheets of one corner of a pack and adapted to receive therebetween said separated portions of the pack inserted from one side of said bars, and means on the opposite side of said bars for gripping the inserted portions of the sheets and drawing them away from said bars.

15. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of spaced parallel bars corresponding in arrangement to the separated portions of sheets of one corner of a pack and adapted to receive therebetween said separated portions of the pack inserted from one side of the bars, movable means on the opposite side of said bars for drawing the inserted portions of the sheets away from said bars, and means for releas ing the sheets from said. drawing means when the latter has moved a predetermined distance away from said bars.

16. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of spaced parallel bars adapted to receive therebetween portions of the sheets of a pack inserted from one side thereof, means for drawing said inserted portions of the sheets from the op posite side of said bars, and means opposing the bending of said bars.

17. A device constructed in. accordance with claim 1.6 wherein said :bars are surrounded by a plurality of relatively short sleeves arranged in end to end relation, the sleeves of each bar being spaced from those of each adjacent bar.

18. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of spaced parallel bars, means for supporting the ends of said bars, sleeves surrounding each of said bars, the sleeves of each bar being spaced from those of each adjacent bar and adapted to receive therebetween separated portions of the sheets of a packinserted from one side, and means arranged onthe opposite side of said bars for gripping the inserted portions of the sheets and drawing them through said sleeves; V f

19. Apparatus of the character described comprising a pair of spaced upstanding arms provided with slots, a plurality of spaced parallel-bars arranged between said arms with their ends projecting through said slots, plates secured to the projecting ends of said bars, resilient means connecting said plates and said arms, and means arranged to one side ct said bars for gripping portions of the sheets of a pack inserted through said bars from the opposite side, said gripping means being movable away from said bars to draw the sheets completely therethrough.

20. A device constructed in accordance with claim 19 provided with means for releasing said sheets from said gripping means when the latter has moved a sullicient dis tance to draw the sheets completely through said bars.

21. Apparatus of the character described comprising a pair of upstanding arms provided with slots, a plurality of spaced parallel bars arranged between said arms with their ends projecting through said slots, a plurality of sleeves surrounding each of said her, plates secured to the projecting ends of said bars, compression springs arranged between said plates and said arms, tracks arranged to one side of said bars and extending transversely therefrom, a carriage adapted to move on said tracks, and means mounted on raid carriage for gripping portions of .the sheets ot a pack inserted through said sleeves from the opposite side, said carriage being movable on said tracks away from said sleeves until the sheets have been completely drawn through said sleeves.

A device constructed in accordance with claim 21 provided with a chain connected to said carriage to effect movement thereof toward and away from said sleeves, and means controlled by said chain for rendering said gripping means inoperative and operative as said carriage moves toward and away from said sleeves respectively.

23. A device for drawing metal sheets of a pack through separating means comprising a movable carriage, and gripping means carried thereby for engaging portions of the sheets inserted through the separating means, said gripping means including a gripping member adapted to be received between portions of each adjacentpair of sheets.

24. A device for drawing metal sheets of a pack through separating means comprising a movable carriage, a plurality of spaced pivoted fingers each adapted to be received between portions of adjacent pairs of sheets inserted through the separating means, and means for clamping said fingers in contact with the sheets.

25. A device constructed in accordance with claim 2t provided with drive means for moving said carriage, and means controlled by said drive mean.) tor operating said clamping means. i

26. A device for drawing metal sheets oil a pack through separating means comprising a pair of tracks, a continuous chain arranged parallel to said tracks, a carriage arranged on 5 id tracks. connections between said chain and said carriage tor reciprocating the latter along said tracks, and means a $01.. ated with said carriage tor gripping portions oi sheets in' erted through the separating means and drawing them therethrongh as said carriage moves in one direction.

21".A device constructed in accordance with claim 26 provided with means controlled hy said chain for rendering said gripping means operative throughout a portion ol. the travel of said chain.

28. A device constructed in accordance with claim 26 wherein said gripping means comprise a plurality of spaced fingers pivotaily connected with said carriage, and each adapted to be arranged between portions of each adjacent pair 01 sheets.

29. A device for drawing metal sheets of a pack through separating means comprising a pair ot tracks, a continuous chain arranged parallel to said tracks, a carriage arranged on said tracks, connections between said chain and said carriage for moving the latter along said tracks, a plurality of slightl v spaced parallel gripping nien'ibcrs pivotally connected with said carriage and adapted to be moved in proximity to the separating means to receive therebetween portions of sheets inserted through the sepa- "ating n'ieans, heads pivotally connected to said carr'age adjacent the uppermost and lowermost gripping members thereot, a link pirotallv connected with FfllCl heads on opposite .TldQS of the pivots thereof, and means tor actuating one of said heads.

30. A device constructed in accordance with claim 29 provided with means controlled hv movement of said chain for actu ating one of said heads.

iii. A device tor drawing metal sheets of a pack through separating means comprising apair of tracks, a pair o'l' sprockets arranged parallel to said tracks, a continu ous chain parsing around said sprockets, a carriage arranged on said tracks, a member connected between said caiiriage and said chain, and means associated with said carriage tor gripping portions of Sheets inserted through the separating means and drawing them therethrough as the carriage mov s in one direction.

A device for drawing metal sheets of a pack through repaintin means comprising a pair of tracks, a pair of alined ill") sprocl-tets arranged parallel. to said tracks,

a continuous chain passing around said sprockets, a carriage arranged on said tracks, said carriage being provided with a slot, a shaft mounted in said slot and connected with said chain to be driven thereby, and means associated with said carriage for pping portions of sheets inserted through the separating means and drawing them therethrough as said carriage moves in one direction.

33. A device for drawing metal sheets of a pack through separating means comprising a pair of tracks, a pair of alined sprockets arranged parallel to said tracks, 'a continuous chain passing about said sprockets, an eye carried by one link of said chain, a carriage arranged on said tracks, said carriage being provided with a vertical slot, a shaft extending transversely through said slot and through said eye, and means associated with said carriage for gripping portions of sheets inserted through the separat ing means and drawing them therctln'ough as said carriage moves in one direction.

34. A device for drawing metal sheets of a pack through separating means comprising a pair of tracks, a pair of vertical alined sprockets arranged adjacent each track substantially parallel thereto, a chain passing around each pair of sprockets, each of said chains being provided with an eye carried by one linkthereof, said eyes being transversely alined, a carriage arranged on said tracks and provided with a vertical slot, said slot being arranged in a portion of the car riage adapted to travel between said chains, a transverse shaft mounted in said eyes and extending through said slot, and means as sociated with said carriage for gripping portions of sheets inserted through the separat- -ing means and drawing them therethrough as said carriage moves in one direction.

35. A device constructed in accordance with claim 34 provided with means connected between said shaft and said gripping means for actuating the latter when the carriage moves in one direction.

A device for drawing metal sheets of a pack through separating means comprising a pair of tracks, a pair of vertical alined sprockets arranged between and parallel to said tracks, one link of said chain being provided with a transverse eye, a carriage arranged on said tracks, said carriage being provided with a depending portion arranged adjacent said chain and provided with a vertical slot, a transverse shaft arranged in said eye and said slot, a plurality of slightly spaced horizontal gripping members pivotally connected to said carriage and adapted to be moved in proximity to the separating means to receive therebetween portions of sheets inserted through the separating means, and means connected between said shaft and said gripping members for actuating the latter when the carriage moves away from the separating means.

37. A device for opening a corner of a ieet pack comprising a pair of rollers having roughened surfaces, the rollers being arranged with their axes substantially at right angles to each other, and adapted to receive tl'ierebetween a corner of a sheet pack in peripheral engagement therewith, and means for rotating said rollers.

38. A device constructed in accordance with claim 37 wherein said rollers are formed of a plurality of laminations having oli'set edges.

39. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of spaced parallel bars adapted to receive therebetween por tions of the sheets of a packinserted from one side thereof, means for drawing said inserted portions of the sheets from the opposite side of said bars, and yielding means opposing the bending of said bars.

40. Apparatus of the character described comprising a pair of upstanding arms pro vided with slots, a lurality of spaced parallel bars arranged etween said arms with their ends projecting through said slots, a plurality of sleeves surrounding each of said bars, plates secured to the projecting ends of said bars, compression springs arranged between said plates and said arms, tracks arranged to one side of said bars and extending transversely therefrom, a carriage mounted on said tracks, means mounted on said carriage for gripping portions of the sheets of a pack inserted between said sleeves from the opposite side, said carriage being movable on said tracks away from said sleeves until the sheets have been completely drawn through said sleeves, an endless chain connected to said carriage to effect movement thereof toward and away from said sleeves, and automatic means for rendering said gripping means inoperative and operative as said carriage moves toward and away from said sleeves respectively.

41. A device of the character described comprising a plurality of spaced separating members adapted to receive therebetween separated portions of a sheet pack inserted from one side thereof, a trackway arranged atthe opposite side of said separating members, an endless chain arranged parallel to said trackway, a carriage movable on said trackway, connections between said chain and said carriage for moving the latter, a plurality of slightly spaced parallel gripping members pivotally connected with said car iage and adapted tobe moved in proX- imity to the separating members to receive therebetween portions of sheets inserted through the separating members, means for limiting movement of said gripping members away from each other, heads pivotally connected to said carriage adjacent the uppermost and lowermost gripping members, a link pivotally connected with said heads on opposite sides of the pivots thereof, and means for actuating one of said heads.

t2. Apparatus of the character described comprising a separating member adapted to be received between edge portions of a pair of sheets introduced from one side thereof, means for engaging and holding the portions of the sheets at the opposite side of said member, means for moving said member and said engaging means away from each other,

and means for releasing said engaging means from the sheets when said separating member is passed entirely therebetween.

43. Apparatus of the character described comprising a separating member adapted to be received between a pair of sheets introduced from one side thereof and means adapted to engage and hold portions of the sheets at the opposite side of said separating member, said separating member and said means being bodily movable wit-h respect to each other substantially in a single common plane to increase the distance therebetween.

L4. Apparatus of the character described comprising a separating member adapted to be received between a pair of sheets introduced from one side thereof, and means adapted to simultaneously engage and hold portions of the sheets at the opposite side of said separating member, said separatingmember and said means being bodily mo vable With respect to each other substantially in a single common plane to increase the distance therebetwecn.

In testimony w iereof I a'lhx my signature.

HAROLD E. MGCRERY. 

